Mary Jane Nell

• Visitation to be held Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. Gregory the Great Parish (3160 S. 63^rd St.) from 10am-11am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am.
• Entombment at St. Adalberts Cemetery.

Nell, Mary Jane

Reunited with her beloved husband Elroy “Bud” on Sunday September 3, 2023, at the age of 95. Loving mother of Carol (Tim) Candek, and Robert “Bob” (Nancy) Nell. Dear grandma of Jason Candek, Christopher Candek, Amy (Adam) Bullermann, Kelly (fiancé Corrie) Candek, Ryan (Erin) Nell, and Andrea (fiancé Kevin) Nell. Great grandma of Addison, Autumn, and Holden. Sister-in-law of Sandy Barutha. Also survived by other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her brother Walter.

Visitation to be held Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. Gregory the Great Parish (3160 S. 63^rd St.) from 10am-11am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Entombment at St. Adalberts Cemetery.

Webster says a volunteer is a person who undertakes a service or duty; Mary Jane Nell, who is the chairperson and manager of the Gift Gallery, has been a volunteer in various capacities all her life.

Elroy “Bud” Nell and Mary Jane were married June 24, 1950; they have 2 children, Carol, and Bob and six grandchildren. While the children were in grade school, Mary Jane volunteered to help for lunch hour duty and also assisted the school nurse. For twelve years, she was a Girl Scout leader; her husband was a Scoutmaster during this same time.

During the children’s High School years Mary Jane volunteered at St. Mary’s Academy and Thomas Moore High School. Here, she arranged organized and chaperoned school dances and dinners.

Joining the “Christian Mothers” group at St. Gregory the Great Church, she was instrumental in arranging social activities, including, decorations for dances. She recalls an outstanding decorating feat that she and the committee produced. They turned the room upside down by making a football field on the ceiling. This theme was further carried out by the chaperones, wearing official’s uniforms! Needless to say, it was a touchdown performance! She was also supply chairman during this time and in 1967-68, “Christian Mother’s” elected her President of their organization.

Mary Jane worked part time at a credit union, but decided to leave when she became a volunteer at WAMH in 1985. Her first duty was in Admitting where she cracked the dawn each Monday to be at her desk at 6:00am, working until Noon. After Mary Jane underwent foot surgery the area was re-assigned, and she was asked to work the Gift Shop. She thoroughly enjoyed the position, meeting people and developing enduring friendships with other volunteers. Later on, she was asked to be a buyer and so the die was cast for further achievements.

In 1988-89 she was on the scholarship committee; then she became its Chairman in 1990-92. This job brought much joy and satisfaction to Mary Jane, as she could meet and help reward worthy young students. In April 1997, Mary Jane became the new manager of the Gift Gallery. She envisioned what the gallery could become. Along with Angela Kazecke, the Director of the Gift Gallery, and the Buyers, the shop has developed into a delightful shopping area. Mary Jane devotes countless hours to this position. The Buyers enjoy working for and with her.

In their “spare time,” Bud and Mary Jane are active in St. Vincent de Paul and distributing food for the Share Program. Mary Jane works with the Arts and Environmental program at St. Gregory the Great taking care of decorations, and candles etc.

There is an absolute potential in each of us and Mary Jane Nell has used hers to the fullest. At every stage of her life, she has helped others who have learned, benefited, and improved their lifestyles. She is a composite volunteer and leader.

It is time for recognition and appreciation. Thank you for all the pluses, time, talent, and energy you have given the Auxiliary, your church, and our community. Sound the trumpets! Take a bow, Mary Jane, and listen to the applause from all of us.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES

www.heritagefuneral.com

414-321-7440